Patna: The JDU installed a sanitary napkin vending machine at JD Women's College on Monday as part of the party's Surakshit Betiyan, Swachch Betiyan programme.

The industries cell of the party, in collaboration with the NGO Nav Astitva Foundation, set up the machine.

JDU MLC Ranbir Nandan inaugurated the machine. JDU industries cell president Sanjay Khandelia, state spokesperson Suheli Mehta, writer Mamta Mehrotra, college principal Meera Kumari and teacher Bhavna Shekhar were also present.

"Altogether 51 sanitary napkin-vending machines (each costing Rs 40,000) have to be installed in 51 different colleges under the programme," said Suheli. "Poor menstrual hygiene practices are prevalent among girls in rural areas, which can cause urinary tract infections. All girls' institutions must install sanitary such machines."

Students can get the napkins by dropping Rs 5 into the machine, which also has an incinerator for proper disposal of used napkins.

Ranbir said installation of the machine was a step to empower women, which is a key focus of the Nitish Kumar government.